Dibrugarh Residents Demand Action Against Illegal Mining Amid Flood Crisis

In response to the catastrophic floods in Upper Assam, the Dibrugarh Zila Nagarik Sanmilan has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, demanding accountability for illegal mining activities that they claim have exacerbated the disaster. The organization argues that the floods were not solely due to natural causes but were significantly influenced by years of unregulated mining and deforestation. They are calling for a high-level inquiry and for the floods to be declared a national disaster. The memorandum also raises concerns about ongoing hydroelectric projects that may further threaten the region's ecological balance. This situation highlights the urgent need for government intervention and environmental protection measures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 5, 2026, 11:15 IST

Community Takes Action Against Environmental Degradation

Aerial image of Upper Assam inundated under floodwaters hinting at the large scale devastation (Photo: @himantabiswa/X)

Dibrugarh, Aug 5: The Dibrugarh Zila Nagarik Sanmilan has formally presented a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India via the district administration, urging for the identification and punishment of individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining activities. The organization asserts that these activities have significantly contributed to the severe flooding in Upper Assam.

The memorandum was delivered to district development commissioner Nandita Baruah by key members of the Sanmilan, including president Sarat Chandra Neog and general secretary Uttam Kumar Chetia.

The Sanmilan contends that the recent catastrophic floods impacting regions such as Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Nazira were not merely due to natural phenomena like heavy rainfall or cloudbursts, but were largely exacerbated by human actions.

As per the memorandum, while Mon district in Nagaland faced substantial rainfall, the extraordinary flooding in Upper Assam was intensified by years of unregulated open-cast coal mining in Nagaland's hills, extensive sand and stone extraction from the Dikhow River, and significant deforestation associated with these practices. The organization claims that these illegal mining operations have severely disrupted the ecological balance of the area.

Furthermore, the Sanmilan argues that unscientific coal mining has created large pits in the hills that fill with water, forming artificial reservoirs. During heavy rains, landslides from unstable slopes reportedly cause these reservoirs to overflow, leading to increased flooding downstream.

The memorandum also highlights that despite numerous complaints from local residents, no substantial action has been taken, allegedly due to the involvement of influential figures, including some public officials, in these illegal mining activities.

The organization referenced two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed with the Gauhati High Court by former MLA Debabrata Saikia, claiming that administrative efforts have failed to yield results. Although the High Court instructed the State government to act against these illegal activities, the organization asserts that these directives have not been effectively enforced.

Alongside the memorandum, the organization submitted copies of the two PILs and additional supporting documents.

The Sanmilan has called on the Central government to form a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the alleged involvement of illegal mining networks in the floods and to ensure accountability for those responsible. They also demand that the recent floods be classified as a ‘national disaster’.

Moreover, the memorandum raises concerns about the ongoing 186 MW Dikhu Hydroelectric Project on the Dikhou River in Mon district, suggesting it may have contributed to the flooding. The organization has urged the government to suspend this project and other major hydroelectric initiatives in the nearby hilly areas bordering Assam, arguing that without proper reviews and preventive measures, these projects could pose significant risks to the state’s future.

Finally, the organization has appealed to the Prime Minister for an unbiased investigation into the flood causes and for immediate actions to avert similar disasters in the future.